AT THE MOVIES
'Transformers'
The war is on, on Earth, between two robotic clans, the heroic Autobots and the evil Decepticons. Check theaters for showtimes and ticket prices.
By DAVID DIXON
Review: One of the most celebrated animated programs and toy franchises is now a big-budget live-action film.
“Transformers” is the story of Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf), a high school nerdy goofball, who buys his first car – a 1970s Chevy Camaro. Soon after purchasing the vehicle, it turns out to be a transformer – part car and part robot.
It is an Autobot, a member of the group that are the defenders of justice in the Transformers universe. Their leader, Optimus Prime (voiced by Peter Cullen), meets Sam and tells him how he can help save the world from the evil Decepticons.
Director Michael Bay is known for making action-packed films: “Armageddon,” “Pearl Harbor,” “The Rock,” “Bad Boys” and “The Island.” This movie has familiar elements to his previous works.
It is filled with action, random humor, some political satire and many overlapping character stories. However, even though “Transformers” has the feel of a Michael Bay film, it has enough ingredients to keep the fans of the original TV series happy.
While I enjoyed the film quite a bit, some people might be turned off by having to follow a large number of characters. However, if you bear with the pace, you will have no problem following the plot and the intertwining story lines.
This movie is rated PG-13 for a reason. It's not your TV-Y family-friendly program.
There's enough language and humor to justify its rating. Which is why, in part, it will appeal to a broader audience and to those who grew up watching the carton show.
“Transformers” most likely will be a huge blockbuster hit. There's enough laughs and action to keep the audience happy. So sit back, relax, and enjoy.
SAN DIEGO ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL
Shop 'n' Watch Wednesdays
Rated “G” reviewer Brianna Caraet attended the film festival and filed this report. Shop 'n' Watch Wednesdays have concluded, but you can learn more about upcoming events at www.SDAFF.org. By BRIANNA CARAET
Review: Short cultural films and various chances to win prizes – what more could you ask for? In collaboration with the San Diego Asian Film Festival, Otay Ranch Town Center hosted “Shop 'n' Watch Wednesdays.” This family-friendly event was free.
When I attended, we arrived at the food pavilion at about 7 p.m., which was when the entertainment began. While Terry Matsuoka and the band played, we received food samples, entered a drawing and received free raffle tickets. Some prizes that were given out that day were a $100 mall gift certificate, Chili's gift cards, rounds of golf and more.
The actual films were presented starting at 8 p.m. We viewed 10 short films and three music videos, including “Bebot” by the Black Eyed Peas.
Undoubtedly, numerous Asians could relate to several of the films because of the references to their culture's food, language and other aspects. Some of these movies were about such things as time-lapse photography, chocolate and a guy who enters a longaniza (pork sausage) cook-off contest.
In case you are the type who cannot sit still for long, you should know that after every few films there was a break. During this time, you could stretch your legs by strolling around the mall or hang around the food pavilion and cross your fingers in hopes that your raffle ticket number might get called.
Most of the films were fascinating, and each one was unique. Even though you could generally understand what was occurring by the character's actions, more subtitles should have been added to the remainder of the non-English dialogue. This would have further improved the viewing experience.
The location was convenient, because you were not stuck in a stuffy room, but rather in an airy area that is perfect for a summer event. Being situated in the food court was also ideal because you can walk over to purchase a drink or snack within a matter of seconds.
